32. Sir G. DALBYMPLE-WHITEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether the Forestry Commission is prepared to obtain from the Government powers to enable the Commissioners to enter into negotiations with the commoners of the commons in Wales with a view to getting their agreement to planting certain tracts of these large areas at present lying almost derelict?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. W. R. Smith)The Commissioners already have the powers referred to.
§ 33. Mr. FERGUS GRAHAMasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, the probable scope for unemployment, the acreage, and the cost of the afforestation scheme in the Bewcastle district?
§ Mr. SMITHOn the Forestry Commission's Kershope and Neweastleton areas 407 acres are being planted this season. The expenditure on the two areas is estimated at £3,300, the greater part of which will be paid in wages and thus provide employment.
§ 34. Major HARVEYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, if he will state the amount of grants given for clearing scrub and undergrowth preparatory to planting in the years 1927 and 1928, respectively; and whether these grants represent the maximum allowed to be paid in each case?
§ Mr. W. R. SMITHIn 1927 scrub clearing grants amounting to £721 were made in respect of 625 acres, the exceptional maximum of £2 per acre being given in respect of 121 acres. In 1928 such grants amounted to £342 for 283 acres, the maximum being given in respect of 59.
§ Mr. EVERARDWill the hon. Gentleman state whether the full amount of the grant sanctioned by this House has been expended?
§ Mr. SMITHI should want notice of that question. Generally speaking, I think we do approximate to our estimates.